The Sweat Sickness

[tucho58]

does anyone know what the sweat sickness was during Henry VIII reign?

[Ice.Maiden]

This actually started in the reign of Henry V11, in 1485. There was another outbreak in 1507, which was less fatal, a more severe outbreak in 1517, and yet another one in 1528 when Henry V111 moved from place to place to escape it. It started very suddenly, with cold shivers, giddiness, headaches and severe pains in the neck, shoulders and limbs, but after 3-3.5 hours, came the sweating which produced an intense feeling of heat. It led to headaches & delirium, and in many cases collapse & death, but it was all usually over within 12-24 hours. it differed from the plague, by way of symptoms and the speed with which it came about. London & Cambridge were severely hit & many lives were lost. Hope this helps a bit.

[jno]

nobody knows, but it might have been Hantavirus

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hantavirus

[Ice.Maiden]

Yes, it could've been HPS, but that's a deadly lung disease and effects the kidneys. Symptoms are similar to those experienced by those who suffered from sweat sickness, but not passed from person to person. Although rodents are known to pass on HPS, they're of the type usually found in north America I believe. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this sickness differed from the plague, which DID basically come from rats. Either way, both killed a lot of people.